Seattle Asian Art Museum

Seattle Asian Art Museum is at 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. The outstanding collection of Asian art emphasizes quality over quantity. The setting is stellar—a magnificent Art Deco-style building built in 1933 and located in luxuriantly leafy Volunteer Park. Approaching the main entrance you pass through the Garden Court, filled with beautiful Hindu and Tibetan sandstone sculptures.

Inside are Chinese calligraphy paintings and Japanese watercolors of cherry blossoms, chickadees and cranes. The collection of Chinese art is particularly extensive—more than 7,000 works covering a range of dynasties (among them Han, Song, Tang and Ming) that includes paintings, sculpture, jade and bronze pieces, textiles, lacquers and ceramics.

Japanese art ranges from prehistory to the present and includes screens, ceramics, textiles and extensive archeological materials. Look for Korean Buddhist paintings, folk art, porcelains and tomb pieces. The Indian paintings are beautifully detailed. Last but not least, posing with the camel in the outdoor courtyard makes for a fun photo op.

Free guided tours are given; inquire in advance for information about tour times and topics.

Guided tours are available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.